Fruits of the Spirit - Living in Joy

On days when it is hard for me to choose joy I need to be reminded that joy is not something I can obtain through my own strength, but something that comes from the Lord Himself.

The fruits of the Spirit are not qualities I can decide to add to my spiritual repertoire, but gracious gifts from our kind Father in Heaven. It is so refreshing to study into each "gift" and ask the Lord to pour it out on us in His mercy.

Joy

Psalm 16:11
You will show me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
At Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.
When we seek for joy, we can know that it will always be found in the presence of the Lord!

Isaiah 51:11
So the ransomed of the Lord shall return,
And come to Zion with singing,
With everlasting joy on their heads.
They shall obtain joy and gladness;
Sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

Psalm 126:5-6
Those who sow in tears shall reap in joy. He who continually goes forth weeping, bearing seed for sowing, shall doubtless come again with rejoicing, bringing his sheaves with him.
No matter if we are in a hard and sorrowful season of life or in the midst of happiness we can always rest in the fact that God will always bring us joy in His time.

John 15:11
These things I have spoken to you, that My joy may remain in you, and that your joy may be full.
There is joy to be found simply in the words of Jesus.

Nehemiah 8:10
Then he said to them, “Go your way, eat the fat, drink the sweet, and send portions to those for whom nothing is prepared; for this day is holy to our Lord. Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.”
Joy from Jesus is strong and everlasting!


Isaiah 55:12
For you shall go out with joy, and be led out with peace; the mountains and the hills shall break forth into singing before you, and all the trees of the field shall clap their hands.

God desires to pour His love out on us! He is a God of joy!


What are your favorite verses of joy?